Artie Matthews was an American songwriter and pianist born on November 15, 1888, in Braidwood, Illinois. His family later moved to Springfield, where he developed his musical talent. He enjoyed playing popular songs until he discovered ragtime music in 1905. This new style captivated him, and he began to compose and perform ragtime tunes. By 1908, he had relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, a hub for ragtime music, often travelling to Chicago for work. Matthews played the piano, arranged music, and wrote for local theatres.

In 1913, music publisher John Stark recognised Matthews’ talent and offered him a payment for original compositions. Matthews moved to Cincinnati in 1916, where he served as a church organist. Five years later, he and his wife, Anna Howard, established the Cosmopolitan School of Music, which catered to African American students. Among his pupils was the notable Frank Foster. Matthews is remembered alongside Scott Joplin and others for his contributions to ragtime, with famous pieces like “Pastime Rags” and the early blues track “Baby Seals Blues.”